Piperidine-triazine compounds

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein R 1  is hydrogen, alkyl or alkoxy, --A 1  --R 2  --N(R 3 )-- and --X 1  --(X 2  --X 3 ) m  -- are selected linking groups, Y 1  and Y 2  are selected terminal moieties and n is 1 to 50, are effective light, heat and oxidation stabilizers for a variety of organic materials.

The present invention relates to novel piperidine-triazine compounds, to their use as light stabilisers, heat stabilisers and oxidation stabilisers for organic materials, in particular synthetic polymers, and to the organic materials thus stabilised.

It is known that synthetic polymers undergo a progressive change in physical properties, such as loss of mechanical strength and colour changes, when they are exposed to the action of sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen.

To retard the detrimental effect of ultraviolet radiation on synthetic polymers, additives having photostabilising properties are used, such as certain derivatives of benzophenone and benzotriazole, nickel complexes, alkylidenemalonates, cyanoacrylates, aromatic oxamides or sterically hindered amines.

Some triazine oligomers containing 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl groups and their use as stabilisers for synthetic polymers have been reported in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,086,204, 4,315,859, 4,331,586, 4,335,242, 4,459,395, 4,477,615 and 4,547,548, and European Laid Open Prints 117,229 and 354,185 and in Japanese Laid Open Print Sho 63-196,654.

The present invention relates to novel piperidine-triazine compounds of the formula (I) ##STR2## in which R₁ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, O, OH, NO, CH₂ CN, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkoxy, C₃ -C₆ alkenyl, C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di-or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or C₁ -C₈ acyl, A₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄ where R₄ is methyl, C₁ -C₈ acyl or (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₁₂ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or a group of the formula (II) ##STR3## with R₁ being as defined above, or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) ##STR4## in which A₂ is a direct bond, --O--, --CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ -- or >N--CH₃ and p is an integer from 2 to 6, or ##STR5## is also one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) ##STR6## in which R₅ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or a group >N--R₈ where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is an integer from 2 to 6 and R₁ is as defined above, X₁ and X₃ which can be identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) ##STR7## in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which can be identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₁₂ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₂ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms or by 1 to 2 >N--R₁₃ groups where R₁₃ is as defined for R₃ or is C₁ -C₈ acyl or (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl; C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene unsubstituted or mono-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene-di-(C₁ -C₄ alkylene), C₁ -C₄ alkylene-di-(C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene), C₂ -C₄ alkylidene-di-(C₅ -C₄ cycloalkylene), phenylene, phenylene-di-(C₁ -C₄ alkylene), (C₁ -C₄ alkylene)-diphenylene or (C₂ -C₄ alkylidene)-diphenylene, where each phenylene group is unsubstituted or mono- or di-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, R₁₀ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl or phenyl, A₆ is a direct bond or --CH₂ --, s is zero, 1, 2 or 3, R₁₁ and R₁₂ which can be identical or different are C₂ -C₆ alkylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₁₂ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₂ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene, carbonyl or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) ##STR8## in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) ##STR9## in which R₁, A₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, or R₁₄ is a group --OR₁₈, --SR₁₈ or ##STR10## in which R₁₈, R₁₉ and R₂₀ which can be identical or different are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; C₃ -C₁₈ alkenyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; tetrahydrofurfuryl, a group of the formula (II), C₂ -C₄ alkyl substituted in the 2-, 3- or 4-position by C₁ -C₈ alkoxy or by di-(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)-amino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR11## is a 5-membered to 7-membered heterocyclic group, R₁₅ is a direct bond, C₁ -C₁₂ alkylene, cyclohexylene, methylcyclohexylene or phenylene, R₁₆ is as defined for R₉, u is an integer from 1 to 10 and R₁₇ is as defined for R₉ or is a group ##STR12## m is zero, 1, 2, 3 or 4, n is a number from 1 to 50, Y₁ and Y₂ are end groups which can have various definitions according to the type and molar ratios of the reagents used in the preparation. In particular, Y₁ can be Cl, OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z, where Z is hydrogen, methyl, benzyl, C₁ -C₈ acyl or (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ can be Z, a group ##STR13## or a group --X₂ OH. If m is zero and n is 1, the only definition of Y₁ is the group --X₁ Z, with the proviso that the said group --X₁ Z is other than the group of the formula ##STR14## In the individual recurrent structural units of the formula (I), each of the groups R₁, A₁, R₂, R₃, X₁, X₂, X₃ and m can have the same or different definitions.

Examples of alkyl having up to 18 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, 2-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, 2-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, t-octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl and octadecyl.

Examples of C₂ -C₄ alkyl substituted by C₁ -C₈ alkoxy, preferably by C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, especially methoxy or ethoxy, are 2-methoxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, 3-ethoxypropyl, 3-butoxypropyl, 3-octoxypropyl and 4-methoxybutyl.

Examples of C₂ -C₄ alkyl substituted by di-(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)-amino, preferably by dimethylamino or diethylamino, are 2-dimethylaminoethyl, 2-diethylaminoethyl, 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 3-diethylaminopropyl, 3-dibutylaminopropyl and 4-diethylaminobutyl.

Examples of alkoxy having up to 18 carbon atoms are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, heptoxy, octoxy, decyloxy, dodecyloxy, tetradecyloxy, hexadecyloxy and octadecyloxy. Preferred examples of R₁ are C₆ -C₁₂ alkoxy, in particular heptoxy and octoxy.

Representative examples of the various C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl substituents which are unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, are cyclopentyl, methylcyclopentyl, dimethylcyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, dimethylcyclohexyl, trimethylcyclohexyl, t-butylcyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, cyclodecyl and cyclododecyl. Unsubstituted or C₁ -C₄ alkyl-substituted cyclohexyl is preferred.

Representative examples of C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkoxy R₁ are cyclopentoxy, cyclohexoxy, cycloheptoxy, cyclooctoxy, cyclodecyloxy and cyclododecyloxy. Cyclopentoxy and cyclohexoxy are preferred.

Examples of alkenyl having up to 18 carbon atoms are allyl, 2-methylallyl, hexenyl, decenyl, undecenyl and oleyl. Those alkenyl groups are preferred in which the carbon atom in the 1-position is saturated; allyl is particularly preferred.

Examples of substituted phenyl are methylphenyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, t-butylphenyl, di-t-butylphenyl, 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenyl, methoxyphenyl and ethoxyphenyl.

Representative examples of the various C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl substituents which are unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, are benzyl, methylbenzyl, dimethylbenzyl, trimethylbenzyl, t-butylbenzyl and 2-phenylethyl. Benzyl is preferred.

Acyl R₁, R₄, R₁₃ and Z having up to 8 carbon atoms can be an aliphatic or aromatic group. Representative examples are formyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, octanoyl, benzoyl, acryloyl or crotonyl. C₁ -C₈ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₈ alkenoyl and benzoyl are preferred. Acetyl is especially preferred.

The 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic group ##STR15## can contain a further hetero atom, for example nitrogen or oxygen; representative examples are 1-pyrrolidyl, 1-piperidyl, 4-morpholinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl and 1-hexahydroazepinyl. 4-Morpholinyl is preferred.

Examples of alkylene having up to 12 carbon atoms are methylene, ethylene, propylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene, hexamethylene, trimethylhexamethylene, octamethylene, decamethylene and dodecamethylene.

Examples of C₄ -C₁₂ alkylene interrupted by 1 ,2 or 3 oxygen atoms are 3-oxapentane-1,5-diyl, 4-oxaheptane-1,7-diyl, 3,6-dioxaoctane-1,8-diyl, 4,7-dioxadecane-1,10-diyl, 4,9-dioxadodecane-1,12-diyl and 3,6,9-trioxaundecane-1,11-diyl.

Representative examples of C₄ -C₁₂ alkylene R₉, R₁₆ and R₁₇ interrupted by 1 or 2>N--R₁₃ groups are the groups ##STR16##

Representative examples of unsubstituted or substituted C₅ -C₇ -cycloalkylene and the groups containing 1 or 2 C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene residues are cyclohexylene, methylcyclohexylene, cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene and isopropylidenedicyclohexylene.

Representative examples of groups containing 1 or 2 unsubstituted or substituted phenylene groups are phenylene, methylphenylene, dimethylphenylene, xylylene, methylxylylene, methylenediphenylene and isopropylidenediphenylene.

Representative examples of (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl are methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexoxycarbonyl, heptoxycarbonyl and octoxycarbonyl.

The preferred definitions of R₁ are hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, OH, C₆ -C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkoxy, allyl, benzyl or acetyl, in particular hydrogen or methyl.

Those compounds of the formula (I) are preferred in which A₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄, where R₄ is methyl, C₁ -C₆ acyl or (C₁ -C₆ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₁₀ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; benzyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or a group of the formula (II), or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) in which A₂ is a direct bond, --O-- or --CH₂ -- and p is an integer from 2 to 4, or ##STR17## can also be one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) in which R₅ is C₂ -C₄ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is an integer from 2 to 4, X₁ and X₃ which can be identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which can be identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms or by 1 or 2>N--R₁₃ groups where R₁₃ is as defined for R₃ or is C₁ -C₄ acyl or (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)-carbonyl; cyclohexylene, cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene, isopropylidenedicyclohexylene, phenylene, methylphenylene, xylylene, methylenediphenylene or isopropylidenediphenylene, R₁₀ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or phenyl, A₆ is a direct bond or --CH₂ --, s is zero, 1, 2 or 3, R₁₁ and R₁₂ which can be identical or different are C₂ -C₄ alkylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) or a group --OR₁₈, --SR₁₈ or ##STR18## in which R₁₈, R₁₉ and R₂₀ which can be identical or different are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di-or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; C₃ -C₁₂ alkenyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; benzyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; tetrahydrofurfuryl, a group of the formula (II), C₂ -C₃ alkyl substituted in the 2- or 3-position by C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or by di-(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)-amino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR19## is 1-pyrrolidyl, 1-piperidyl, 4-morpholinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl or 1-hexahydroazepinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond, C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, cyclohexylene or phenylene, R₁₆ is as defined for R₉, u is an integer from 1 to 5, R₁₇ is as defined for R₉ or is a group ##STR20## m is zero, 1, 2 or 3, n is a number from 1 to 30, Y₁ is Cl, OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z, where Z is hydrogen, methyl, benzyl, C₁ -C₄ acyl or (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)-carbonyl, and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR21## or a group --X₂ OH.

Those compounds of the formula (I) are particularly preferred in which A₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄, is methyl, C₁ -C₄ acyl or (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, cyclohexyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; benzyl or a group of the formula (II), or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) in which A₂ is --O-- or --CH₂ -- and p is 2 or 3, or ##STR22## can also be one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) in which R₅ is C₂ -C₃ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is 2 or 3, X₁ and X₃ which can be identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which can be identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms or by an >N--R₁₃ group with R₁₃ being hydrogen, methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl; cyclohexylene, cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene, xylylene or isopropylidenediphenylene, R₁₀ is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl, A₆ is a direct bond or --CH₂ --, s is zero, 1, 2 or 3, R₁₁ and R₁₂ which can be identical or different are C₂ -C₃ alkylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, C₄ -C₈ alkylene interrupted by 1 or 2 oxygen atoms; 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) or a group --OR₁₈, --SR₁₈ or ##STR23## where R₁₈, R₁₉ and R₂₀ which can be identical or different are hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, cyclohexyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; allyl, undecenyl, phenyl, benzyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl, a group of the formula (II), C₂ -C₃ -alkyl substituted in the 2- or 3-position by C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, by dimethylamino or by diethylamino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR24## is 4-morpholinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond, C₁ -C₈ alkylene, cyclohexylene or phenylene, R₁₆ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; cyclohexylenedimethylene, isopropylidenedicyclohexylene or isopropylidenediphenylene, u is an integer from 1 to 4, R₁₇ is as defined for R₉ or is methylphenylene, methylenediphenylene or a group ##STR25## m is zero, 1, 2 or 3, n is a number from 1 to 20, Y₁ is OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z where Z is hydrogen, methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR26## or a group --X₂ OH.

Those compounds of the formula (I) are of special interest in which A₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄, where R₄ is methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl or a group of the formula (II), or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) in which A₂ is --O-- and p is 2 or 3, or ##STR27## can also be one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) in which R₅ is C₂ -C₃ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is 2 or 3, X₁ and X₃ which can be identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which can be identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, C₆ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene or xylylene, R₁₀ is hydrogen or methyl, A₆ is a direct bond, s is zero or 1, R₁₁ and R₁₂ are ethylene or trimethylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) or a group --OR₁₈ or ##STR28## in which R₁₈ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl, allyl, phenyl, benzyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl or a group of the formula (II), R₁₉ and R₂₀ which can be identical or different are as defined above for R₁₈ or are hydrogen or C₂ -C₃ alkyl substituted in the 2- or 3-position by methoxy, by ethoxy, by dimethylamino or by diethylamino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR29## is 4-morpholinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond or C₁ -C₈ alkylene, R₁₆ is C₄ -C₆ alkylene, u is 1 or 2, R₁₇ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene or a group ##STR30## m is zero, 1 or 2, n is a number from 1 to 15, Y₁ is OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z where Z is hydrogen, methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR31## or a group --X₂ OH.

Those compounds of the formula (I) are of particular interest in which R₁ is hydrogen or methyl, A₁ is --O-- or >N--CH₃, R₂ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ --, R₃ is hydrogen, methyl, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl, or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group ##STR32## can also be one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVc) in which R₅ is ethylene, A₃ is --O-- or >N--R₈, where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ is methyl, r is 2, X₁ and X₃ which can be identical or different are a group of the formula (Va) or (Vb) in which A₄ and A₅ which can be identical or different are an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, R₉ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ -- or --(CH₂)₃ --O--(CH₂)₂₋₄ --O--(CH₂)₃ -- and R₁₀ is hydrogen or methyl, X₂ is 2-hydroxytrimethylene or a group of the formula (VIa) where R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII), m is zero or 1, n is a number from 1 to 10, Y₁ is OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z with Z being hydrogen or methyl and Y₂ is hydrogen, methyl or a group ##STR33##

Those compounds of the formula (I) are also of particular interest, in which R₁ is hydrogen or methyl, A₁ is >N--CH₃, R₂ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ --, R₃ is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl, or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group ##STR34## is a group of the formula (IVa) or (IVc), q and m are zero, X₁ is a group of the formula (Va) in which A₄ and A₅ which are identical or different are an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is hydrogen, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl, R₉ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ -- and n is a number from 1 to 10.

The compounds of the present invention can be prepared by processes known per se, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,086,204, 4,459,395 and 4,547,548, by reacting, in any order, and in the appropriate molar ratios, e.g. stoichiometric ratios, cyanuric chloride with compounds of the formulae (VIIIa), (VIIIb), (VIIIc) and (VIIId) ##STR35## in which R₁, A₁, R₂, R₃, X₁, X₂ and X₃ are as defined above and D₁ and D₂ are e.g. Cl, Br, methoxy or ethoxy or D₁ --X₂ --D₂ is epichlorohydrin or a diisocyanate OCN--R₁₇ --NCO with R₁₇ being as defined above.

The compounds of the formula (VIIIa) can be prepared by known processes, starting from 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone or derivatives thereof.

The intermediates of the formula (VIIIa) which corresponds to ##STR36## wherein R₁ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, O.spsp.., OH, NO, CH₂ CN, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkoxy, C₃ -C₆ alkenyl, C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl unsubstituted or substituted on the phenyl radical by 1, 2 or 3 C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or is C₁ -C₈ acyl, are new and also possess stabilising effectiveness.

The compounds of the formulae (VIIIb), (VIIIc) and (VIIId) are commercially available or can easily be prepared by known processes.

As mentioned at the outset, the novel compounds of the present invention are highly effective in improving the light stability, heat stability and oxidation stability of organic materials, in particular synthetic polymers and copolymers.

Examples of such organic materials which can be stabilised are:

1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene, polyisobutylene, polybutene-1, polymethylpentene-1, polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins, for instance of cyclopentene or norbornene, polyethylene (which optionally can be crosslinked), for example high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), branched low density polyethylene (BLDPE).

2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for example mixtures of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene with polyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) and mixtures of different types of polyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

3. Copolymers of monoolefines and diolefines with each other or with other vinyl monomers, such as, for example, ethylene/propylene, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and its mixtures with low density polyethylene (LDPE), propylene/butene-1, ethylene/hexene, ethylene/ethylpentene, ethylene/heptene, ethylene/octene, propylene/isobutylene, ethylene/butene-1, propylene/butadiene, isobutylene/isoprene, ethylene/alkyl acrylates, ethylene/alkyl methacrylates, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and their copolymers with carbon monoxide or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their salts (ionomers) and terpolymers of ethylene with propylene and a diene, such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or ethylidene-norbornene; as well as mixtures of such copolymers and their mixtures with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for example polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-copolymers, LDPE/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA), LLDPE/EVA, LLDPE/EAA and statistical or alternating polyalkylene/carbon monoxide-copolymers as well as their mixtures with other polymers, for example polyamide.

3a. Hydrocarbon resins (for example C₅ -C₉) and hydrogenated modifications thereof (for example tackyfiers) and mixtures of polyalkylenes and starch.

4. Polystyrene, poly-(p-methylstyrene), poly-(α-methylstyrene).

5. Copolymers of styrene or α-methylstyrene with dienes or acrylic derivatives, such as, for example, styrene/butadiene, styrene/acrylonitrile, styrene/alkyl methacrylate, styrene/maleic anhydride, styrene/butadiene/alkyl acrylate, styrene/butadiene/alkyl methacrylate styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate; mixtures of high impact strength from styrene copolymers and another polymer, such as, for example, from a polyacrylate, a diene polymer or an ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer; and block copolymers of styrene, such as, for example, styrene/butadiene/styrene, styrene/isoprene/styrene, styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene or styrene/ethylene/propylene/styrene.

6. Graft copolymers of styrene or α-methylstyrene such as, for example, styrene on polybutadiene, styrene on polybutadiene-styrene or polybutadiene-acrylonitrile; styrene and acrylonitrile (or methacrylonitrile) on polybutadiene; styrene and maleic anhydride or maleimide on polybutadiene; styrene, acrylonitrile and maleic anhydride or maleimide on polybutadiene; styrene, acrylonitrile and methyl methacrylate on polybutadiene, styrene and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates on polybutadiene, styrene and acrylonitrile on ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers, styrene and acrylonitrile on polyacrylates or polymethacrylates, styrene and acrylonitrile on acrylate/butadiene copolymer, as well as mixtures thereof with the copolymers listed under 5), for instance the copolymer mixtures known as ABS-, MBS-, ASA- or AES-polymers.

7. Halogen-containing polymers, such as polychloroprene, chlorinated rubbers, chlorinated or sulfochlorinated polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and chlorinated ethylene, epichlorohydrin homo- and copolymers, polymers from halogen-containing vinyl compounds, as for example, poly- vinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, as well as copolymers thereof, as for example, vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride/vinyl acetate or vinylidene chloride/vinyl acetate copolymers.

8. Polymers which are derived from α,β-unsaturated acids and derivatives thereof, such as polyacrylates and polymethacrylates, with butyl acrylate impact resistant modified polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylamide and polyacrylonitrile.

9. Copolymers from the monomers mentioned under 8) with each other or with other unsaturated monomers, such as, for instance, acrylonitrile/butadiene, acrylonitrile/alkyl acrylate, acrylonitrile/alkoxyalkyl acrylate or acrylonitrile/vinyl halogenide copolymers or acrylonitrile/alkyl methacrylate/butadiene terpolymers.

10. Polymers which are derived from unsaturated alcohols and amines, or acyl derivatives thereof or acetals thereof, such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl stearate, polyvinyl benzoate, polyvinyl maleate, polyvinyl butyral, polyallyl phthalate or polyallylmelamine; as well as their copolymers with olefins mentioned in 1) above.

11. Homopolymers and copolymers of cyclic ethers, such as polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide or copolymers thereof with bis-glycidyl ethers.

12. Polyacetals, such as polyoxymethylene and those polyoxymethylenes which contain ethylene oxide as a comonomer; polyacetals modified with thermoplastic polyurethanes, acrylates or MBS.

13. Polyphenylene oxides and sulfides, and mixtures of polyphenylene oxides with polystyrene or polyamides.

14. Polyurethanes which are derived from polyethers, polyesters or polybutadienes with terminal hydroxyl groups on the one side and aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanates on the other side, as well as precursors thereof (polyisocyanates, polyols or prepolymers).

15. Polyamides and copolyamides which are derived from diamines and dicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactams, such as polyamide 4, polyamide 6, polyamide 6/6, 6/10, 6/9, 6/12, 4/6, 12/12 polyamide 11, polyamide 12, aromatic polyamides obtained by condensation of m-xylene diamine and adipic acid; polyamides prepared from hexamethylenediamine and isophthalic or/and terephthalic acid and optionally an elastomer as modifier, for example poly-2,4,4,-trimethylhexamethylene terephthalamide or poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide. Further copolymers of the aforementioned polyamides with polyolefins, olefin copolymers, ionomers or chemically bonded or grafted elastomers; or with polyethers, such as for instance, with polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols or polytetramethylene glycols. Polyamides or copolyamides modified with EPDM or ABS. Polyamides condensed during processing (RIM-polyamide systems).

16. Polyureas, polyimides and polyamide-imides.

17. Polyesters which are derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols and or from hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactones, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly-1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane terephthalate, poly-[2,2,-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propane] terephthalate and polyhydroxybenzoates as well as block-copolyether-esters derived from polyethers having hydroxyl end groups.

18. Polycarbonates and polyester-carbonates.

19. Polysulfones, polyether-sulfones and polyether-ketones.

20. Crosslinked polymers which are derived from aldehydes on the one hand and phenols, ureas and melamines on the other hand, such as phenol/formaldehyde resins, urea/formaldehyde resins and melamine/formaldehyde resins.

21. Drying and non-drying alkyd resins.

22. Unsaturated polyester resins which are derived from copolyesters of saturated and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with polyhydric alcohols and vinyl compounds as crosslinking agents, and also halogen-containing modifications thereof of low inflammability.

23. Thermosetting acrylic resins, derived from substituted acrylic esters, such as epoxy-acrylates, urethane-acrylates or polyester-acrylates.

24. Alkyd resins, polyester resins or acrylate resins in admixture with melamine resins, urea resins, polyisocyanates or epoxide resins as crosslinking agents.

25. Crosslinked epoxide resins which are derived from polyepoxides, for example from bis-glycidyl ethers or from cycloaliphatic diepoxides.

26. Natural polymers, such as cellulose, rubber, gelatine and derivatives thereof which are chemically modified in a polymer-homologous manner, such as cellulose acetates, cellulose propionates and cellulose butyrates, or the cellulose ethers, such as methylcellulose; rosins and their derivatives.

27. Mixtures of polymers as mentioned above, for example PP/EPDM, Polyamide 6/EPDM or ABS, PVC/EVA, PVC/ABS, PVC/MBS, PC/ABS, PBTP/ABS, PC/ASA, PC/PBT, PVC/CPE, PVC/acrylates, POM/thermoplastic PUR, PC/thermoplastic PUR, POM/acrylate, POM/MBS, PPE/HIPS, PPE/PA 6.6 and copolymers, PA/HDPE, PA/PP, PA/PPE.

28. Naturally occurring and synthetic organic materials which are pure monomeric compounds or mixtures of such compounds, for example mineral oils, animal and vegetable fats, oil and waxes, or oils, fats and waxes based on synthetic esters (e.g. phthalates, adipates, phosphates or trimellithates) and also mixtures of synthetic esters with mineral oils in any weight ratios, which materials may be used as plasticizer for polymers or as textile spinning oils, as well as aqueous emulsions of such materials.

29. Aqueous emulsions of natural or synthetic rubber, e.g. natural latex or latices of carboxylated styrene/butadiene copolymers.

The compounds of the instant invention are particularly sutiable for improving the light stability, heat stability and oxidation stability of polyolefins, especially polyethylene and polypropylene.

The compounds of the instant invention can be used in mixtures with organic materials in various proportions depending on the nature of the material to be stabilised, on the end use and on the presence of other additives.

In general, it is appropriate to use, for example, 0.01 to 5% by weight of the compounds of the instant invention, relative to the weight of the material to be stabilised, preferably between 0.05 and 1%.

In general, the compounds of the instant invention can be added to the polymeric materials before, during or after the polymerisation or crosslinking of the said materials.

The compounds of the instant invention can be incorporated in the pure form or encapsulated in waxes, oils or polymers into the polymeric materials.

The compounds of the instant invention can be incorporated in the polymeric materials by various processes, such as dry mixing in the form of powder, or wet mixing in the form of solutions or suspensions or also in the form of a masterbatch; in such operations, the polymer can be used in the form of powder, granules, solutions, suspensions or in the form of latices.

The materials stabilised with the products of the instant invention can be used for the production of mouldings, films, tapes, monofilaments, fibres, surface coatings and the like.

If desired, other conventional additives for synthetic polymers, such as antioxidants, UV absorbers, nickel stabilisers, pigments, fillers, plasticisers, antistatic agents, flameproofing agents, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors and metal deactivators, can be added to the mixtures of the compounds of the instant invention with the organic materials.

Particular examples of additives which can be used in admixture with the compounds of the instant invention are:

1. Antioxidants

1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methyl-phenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-iso-butylphenol, 2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol, 2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexyl-phenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, 2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1'-methyl-undec-1'-yl)-phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1'-methylheptadec-1'-yl)-phenol, 2,4-dimethyl-6-(1'methyl-tridec-1'-yl)-phenol and mixtures thereof.

1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example 2,4dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol, 2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-do-decylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol.

1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxy-phenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6-di-phenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-hydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl-stearate, bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)adipate.

1.4. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example 2,2'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-thiobis(4-octylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol), 4,4'-thio-bis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 4,4'-thio-bis-(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol), 4,4'-bis-(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-disulfide.

1.5. Alkylidenebisphenols, for example 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)phenol], 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 2,2'-methylenebis[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol], 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol), 1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-4-methylphenol, 1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane, 1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane, ethylene glycol bis[3,3-bis-(3'-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate], bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)dicyclopentadiene, bis[2-(3'-tert-butyl-2'-hydroxy-5'-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate, 1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butan, 2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan, 2,2-bis-(5-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-4-n-dodecylmercapto-butan, 1,1,5,5-tetra-(5-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)-pentan.

1.6. O-, N- and S-benzyl compounds, for example 3,5,3',5'-tetra-tert.-butyl-4,4'-dihydroxydibenzylether, octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzyl-mercaptoacetate, tris-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-amine, bis-(4-tert.-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-dithioterephthalate, bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-sulfide, isooctyl-3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-mercaptoacetate.

1.7. Hydroxybenzylated Malonates, for example dioctadecyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate, di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-malonate, di-dodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate, Di-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl]-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate.

1.8. Hydroxybenzyl-Aromatics, for example 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, 1,4-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene, 2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-phenol.

1.9. Triazine Compounds, for example 2,4-bis-octylmercapto-6-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-isocyanurate, 1,3,5-tris-(4-tert.-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-di-methylbenzyl)-isocyanurate, 2,4,6-tris-(3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-tris-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-isocyanurate.

1.10. Benzylphosphonates, for example dimethyl-2,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, diethyl-3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl-3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, dioctadecyl-5-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, Ca-salt of the 3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl-phosphonic acid monoethylester.

1.11. Acylaminophenols, for example lauric acid 4-hydroxyanilide, stearic acid 4-hydroxyanilide, octyl N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-carbamate.

1.12. Esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxalic acid diamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, tri-methylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]-octane.

1.13. Esters of β-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxalic acid diamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane.

1.14 Esters of β-(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxalic acid diamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane.

1.15 Esters of 3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N'-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxalic acid diamide, 3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol, trimethylolpropane, 4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo-[2.2.2]-octane.

1.16. Amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid e.g. N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylene-diamine, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)tri-methylene-diamine, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazine.

2. UV absorbers and light stabilisers

2.1.2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles, for example the 5'-methyl, 3',5'-di-tert-butyl, 5'-tert-butyl, 5'-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl), 5-chloro-3',5'-di-tert-butyl, 5-chloro-3'-tert-butyl-5'-methyl, 3'-sec-butyl-5'-tert-butyl, 4'-octoxy, 3',5'-di-tert-amyl and 3',5'-bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl), mixture of 5-chloro-3'-tert.-butyl-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)-and 5-chloro-3'-tert.-butyl-5'-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-carbonylethyl]-, 5-chloro-3'-tert.-butyl-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-, 3'-tert.-butyl-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-, 3'-tert.-butyl-5'-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)-, 3'-tert.-butyl-5'-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl]-, 3'-dodecyl-5'-methyl- and 3'-tert.-butyl-5'-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)-2'-hydroxyphenyl-2H-benztriazole(2), 2,2'-methylene-bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-benztriazole-2-yl-phenol]; product of ester interchange of 2-[3'-tert.-butyl-5'-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-2'-hydroxy-phenyl]-2H-benztriazole with polyethylene glycol 300; [R--CH₂ CH₂ --COO(CH₂)₃ ]₂ with R=3'-tert.-butyl-4'-hydroxy-5'-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl-phenyl.

2.2.2-Hydroxybenzophenones, for example the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy, 4-octoxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy, 4,2',4'-trihydroxy and 2'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy derivatives.

2.3. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, as for example 4-tert.butylphenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate, octylphenyl salicylate, dibenzoylresorcinol, bis-(4-tert.butylbenzoyl)-resorcinol, benzoylresorcinol, 2,4-di-tert.butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert.butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl 3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 2 methyl-4,6-di-tert.-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate.

2.4. Acrylates, for examples ethyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, isooctyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, methyl α-carbomethoxycinnamate, methyl α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, butyl α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, methyl α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxycinnamate and N-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methylindoline.

2.5. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of 2,2'-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol], such as the 1:1 or 1:2 complex, with or without additional ligands such as n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickel dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl-phosphonic acid monoalkyl esters, e.g. of the methyl or ethyl ester, nickel complexes of ketoximes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-phenyl undecyl ketoxime, nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or without additional ligands.

2.6. Sterically hindered amines, for example bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidyl) sebacate, bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidyl) succinate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl) n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-benzylmalonate, the condensation product of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and succinic acid, the condensation product of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylenediamine and 4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) nitrilotriacetate, tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate, 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis-(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone), 4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, 4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, bis-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert.-butylbenzyl) malonate, 3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazasprio[4.5]decan-2,4-dion, bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) sebacate, bis-(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl) succinate, product of condensation of N,N'-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-hexamethylene diamine and 4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, product of condensation of-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, product of condensation of 2-chloro-4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, 8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[ 4.5]decane-2,4-dion, 3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4piperidyl)pyrrolidin-2,5-dion, 3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-pyrrolidin-2,5-dion.

2.7. Oxalic acid diamides, for example 4,4'-dioctyloxyoxanilide, 2,2'-dioctyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butyloxanilide, 2,2'-didodecyloxy-5,5'-di-tert-butyloxanilide, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyloxanilide, N,N'-bis(3-dimethylamino-propyl)oxalamide, 2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2'-ethyloxanilide and its mixture with 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl-5,4'-di-tert-butyloxanilide and mixtures of ortho- and para-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- and p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides.

2.8. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, for example 2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2hydroxy-4-octyloxy-phenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-propyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-(2-hydroxy-4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-butyloxy-propyloxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine, 2-[2-hydroxy-4(2-hydroxy-3-octyloxy-propyloxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine.

3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N'-diphenyloxalic acid diamide, N-salicylal-N'-salicyloylhydrazine, N,N'-bis(salicyloyl)hydrazine, N,N'-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hydrazine, 3-salicyl-oylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)-oxalodihydrazide, Oxanilide, isophthalic acid dihydrazide, sebacic acid-bis-phenylhydrazide, N,N'-diacetal-adipinic acid dihydrazide, N,N'-bis-salicyloyl-oxalic acid dihydrazide, N,N'-bis-salicyloyl-thiopropionic acid dihydrazide.

4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite, diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diiso- decyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert.-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis-(2,6-di-tert.-butyl-4-methylphenyl)-pentaeryt hritol diphosphite, bis-isodecyloxy-pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis-(2,4-di-tert.-butyl-6-methylphenyl)-pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis-(2,4,6-tri-tert.-butylphenyl)-pentaerythritol diphsophite, tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) 4,4'-bi-phenylene diphosphonite, 6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert.-butyl-12H-dibenz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin, 6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert.-butyl-12-methyl-dibenz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin.

5. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of β-thiodipropionic acid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters, mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol tetrakis(β-dodecyl-mercapto)propionate.

6. Polyamide stabilisers, for example, copper salts in combination with iodides and/or phosphorus compounds and salts of divalent manganese.

7. Basic co-stabilisers, for example, melamine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides, polyurethanes, alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of higher fatty acids for example Ca stearate, Zn stearate, Mg behenate, Mg stearate, Na ricinoleate and K palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or zinc pyrocatecholate.

8. Nucleating agents, for example, 4-tert.butyl-benzoic acid, adipic acid, diphenylacetic acid.

9. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example, calcium carbonate, silicates, glass fibres, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica, barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxydes, carbon black, graphite.

10. Other additives, for example, plasticisers, lubricants, emulsifiers, pigments, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents and blowing agents.

The compounds of the invention can also be used as stabilisers, especially as light stabilisers, for almost all materials known in the art of photographic reproduction and other reproduction techniques as e.g. described in Research Disclosure 1990, 314 29 (pages 474 to 480).

Several examples of the preparation of the compounds of the formula (I) are reported for more detailed illustration of the present invention; these examples are given solely for illustrative purposes and do not imply any restriction. Particularly preferred compounds of the formula (I) are disclosed in the following examples 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8.

The number-average molecular weight given in the following examples is determined by the method described in EP-A-255,990, from page 18, line 54, to page 19, line 15.

EXAMPLE 1

A solution of 14.75 g (0.08 mol) of cyanuric chloride in 100 ml of xylene is added slowly to a solution of 29.33 g (0.08 mol) of N-methyl-N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,3-propanediamine in 150 ml of xylene, maintaining the temperature at -20° C. The mixture is stirred for 2 hours at -20° C., 9.30 g (0.08 mol) of 1,6-hexanediamine are added and the mixture is heated for 2 hours at 60° C.; 19.39 g (0.16 mol) of 33% sodium hydroxide are added and the mixture is heated for 2 hours at 90° C. 6.4 g (0.6 mol) of ground sodium hydroxide are added and the mixture is heated under reflux to remove the water and part of the solvent in such a way that an internal temperature of 155° C. is reached after 6 hours, and this temperature is then maintained for 12 hours. After cooling to about 70° C. and dilution with 150 ml of xylene, the reaction mixture is filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure, which gives a compound having a melting point of 125°-135° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=4050 and containing repetitive units of the formula ##STR37##

EXAMPLE 2

Following the procedure described in Example 1, but using 5.93 g (0.08 mol) of 1,3-propanediamine in place of the 1,6-hexanediamine, a compound having a melting point of 134°-139° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=2700 and containing recurrent units of the formula ##STR38## is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3

Following the procedure described in Example 1, but using 39.47 g (0.1 mol) of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,6-hexanediamine in place of the 1,6-hexanediamine, a compound having a melting point of 135°-139° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=3260 and containing recurrent units of the formula ##STR39## is obtained.

EXAMPLE 4

A solution of 18.44 g (0.1 mol) of cyanuric chloride in 180 ml of dichloromethane is added slowly to a solution of 28.34 g (0.1 mol) of N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-morpholinopropaneamine in 100 ml of dichloromethane, maintaining the temperature at -10° C.

After 1 hour at between -10° C. and 0° C., 12.12 g (0.1 mol) of 33% sodium hydroxide are slowly added, maintaining the temperature at 0° C., and the mixture is then stirred for 1 hour at between 0° C. and 20° C. 49.34 g (0.125 mol) of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,6-hexanediamine are added and the mixture is heated up to 60° C. to remove the dichloromethane; 150 ml of xylene are added and the mixture is heated for 2 hours at 60° C.

12 g (0.3 mol) of ground sodium hydroxide are added and the mixture is heated for 2 hours at 90° C. and then heated to reflux to remove the water and part of the solvent in such a way that an internal temperature of 155° C. is reached after 15 hours of refluxing, and this temperature is maintained for 2 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature and dilution with 150 ml of xylene, the reaction mixture is filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure.

This gives a compound having a melting point of 124°-127° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=2230 and containing recurrent units of the formula ##STR40##

EXAMPLE 5

A) Preparation of N,1-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-piperidinemethaneamine. ##STR41## 223.5 g (1.44 mol) of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone, 82.2 g (0.72 mol) of 4-piperidinemethaneamine, 0.2 g of benzoic acid and 500 ml of toluene are heated under reflux while separating the water by azeotropic distillation. The mixture is evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue is dissolved in 800 ml of methanol. 12 g of 5% Pt on carbon are added and hydrogenation is carried out at 40 bar and room temperature. The catalyst is then removed by filtration, the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue is crystallized from acetonitrile. The product has a melting point of 91°-93° C.

B) Following the procedure described in Example 4, but using 39.27 g (0.1 mol) of N,1-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-piperidinemethaneamine in place of the N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-morpholinopropaneamine, a compound having a melting point of 162°-164° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=2540 and containing recurrent units of the formula ##STR42## is obtained.

EXAMPLE 6

Following the procedure described in Example 4, but using 39.27 g (0.1 mol) of N,1-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-piperidinemethaneamine and 6.01 g (0.1 mol) of 1,2-ethanediamine in place of N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-morpholinopropaneamine and N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,6-hexanediamine respectively, a compound having a melting point of 208°-212° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=4000 and containing recurrent units of the formula ##STR43## is obtained.

EXAMPLE 7

Following the procedure described in Example 4, but using 39.27 g (0.1 mol) of N,1-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-piperidinemethaneamine and 9.63 g (0.13 mol) of 1,3-propanediamine in place of N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-4-morpholinopropaneamine and N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,6-hexanediamine respectively, a compound having a melting point of 157°-158° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=1590 and containing recurring units of the formula ##STR44## is obtained.

EXAMPLE 8

A solution of 19.73 g (0.05 mol) of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,6-hexanediamine in 70 ml of dichloromethane is added slowly to a solution of 18.44 g (0.1 mol) of cyanuric chloride in 180 ml of dichloromethane, maintaining the temperature at -10° C.

After 1 hour at between -10° C. and 0° C., 12.12 g (0.1 mol) of 33% sodium hydroxide are added slowly, maintaining the temperature at 0° C., and the mixture is then stirred for 1 hour at between 0° C. and 20° C. A solution of 25.92 g (0.115 mol) of 1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)piperazine in 70 ml of dichloromethane is slowly added, maintaining the temperature at 20° C., and this mixture is stirred at this temperature for 4 hours.

It is then heated up to 60° C. to remove the dichloromethane, and 150 ml of xylene, 31.57 g (0.08 mol) of N,N'-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,6-hexanediamine and 12 g (0.3 mol) of ground sodium hydroxide are then added and the mixture is heated under reflux to remove the water and part of the solvent in such a way that an internal temperature of 160° C. is reached after heating for 10 hours, and heating at this temperature is continued for 4 hours.

After cooling to about 70° C. and dilution with 150 ml of xylene, the reaction mixture is filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. This gives a compound of melting point 143°-149° C. and a molecular weight of Mn=1900 and containing recurrent units of the formula ##STR45##

The effectiveness of the compounds according to the present invention as stabilisers is illustrated in the following example in which some compounds obtained in the preparation examples are used for stabilising polypropylene fibres.

EXAMPLE 9

(Light-stabilising action in polypropylene fibres): 2.5 g of each of the products indicated in Table 1, 1.0 g of tris(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl) phosphite, 0.5 g of calcium monoethyl 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate, 1 g of calcium stearate and 2.5 g of titanium dioxide are mixed in a slow mixer with 1000 g of polypropylene powder of melt index=12 g/10 minutes (measured at 230° C. and 2.16 kg).

The mixtures are extruded at 200°-230° C. to give polymer granules which are then converted into fibres, using a pilot-type apparatus (®Leonard, Sumirago (VA), Italy) and operating under the following conditions:

    ______________________________________                                         extruded temperature                                                                               200-230° C.                                         head temperature    255-260° C.                                         stretch ratio       1:3.5                                                      count               11 dtex per filament.                                      ______________________________________                                    

The fibres thus prepared are exposed, mounted on a white card, in a model 65 WR Weather-O-Meter (ASTM D 2565-85) with a black panel temperature of 63° C.

The residual tenacity is measured on samples taken after various times of exposure to light by means of a constant-speed tensometer, and the exposure time in hours (T₅₀) needed to halve the initial tenacity is then calculated.

Fibres prepared under the same conditions as indicated above, but without addition of the compounds of the invention, are exposed for comparison.

The results obtained are shown in Table 1:

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         Stabiliser          T.sub.50 (hours)                                           ______________________________________                                         None                 150                                                       Compound from Example 2                                                                            1530                                                       Compound from Example 3                                                                            1750                                                       Compound from Example 6                                                                            1600                                                       Compound from Example 7                                                                            1600                                                       Compound from Example 8                                                                            1650                                                       ______________________________________                                     

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I) ##STR46## in which R₁ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, O.sup.., OH, NO, CH₂ CN, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkoxy, C₃ -C₆ alkenyl, C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di-or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; orR₁ is C₁ -C₈ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₈ alkenoyl or benzoyl, A₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄ where R₄ is methyl, C₁ -C₈ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₈ alkenoyl, benzoyl or (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₁₂ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or a group of the formula (II) ##STR47## with R₁ being as defined above, or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) ##STR48## in which A₂ is a direct bond, --O--, --CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ -- or >N--CH₃ and p is an integer from 2 to 6, or ##STR49## is also one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) ##STR50## in which R₅ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or a group >N--R₈ where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is an integer from 2 to 6 and R₁ is as defined above, X₁ and X₃ which are identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) ##STR51## in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which are identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₁₂ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₂ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms or by 1 or 2>N--R₁₃ groups where R₁₃ is as defined for R₃, or R₁₃ is C₁ -C₈ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₈ alkenoyl, benzoyl or (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl; C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene unsubstituted or mono-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene-di-(C₁ -C₄ alkylene), C₁ -C₄ alkylene-di-(C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene), C₂ -C₄ alkylidene-di-(C₅ -C₇ cycloalkylene), phenylene, phenylene-di-(C₁ -C₄ alkylene), (C₁ -C₄ alkylene)-diphenylene or (C₂ -C₄ alkylidene)-diphenylene, where each phenylene group is unsubstituted or mono- or di-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl, R₁₀ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl or phenyl, A₆ is a direct bond or --CH₂ --, s is zero, 1, 2 or 3, R₁₁ and R₁₂ which are identical or different are C₂ -C₆ alkylene, and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₁₂ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₂ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene, carbonyl or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) ##STR52## in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) ##STR53## in which R₁, A₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, or R₁₄ is a group --OR₁₈, --SR₁₈ or ##STR54## in which R₁₈, R₁₉ and R₂₀ which are identical or different are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₅ -C₁₂ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; C₃ -C₁₈ alkenyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; C₇ -C₉ phenylalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; tetrahydrofurfuryl, a group of the formula (II), C₂ -C₄ alkyl substituted in the 2-, 3- or 4-position by C₁ -C₈ alkoxy or by di-(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)-amino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR55## is 1-pyrrolidyl, 1-piperidyl, 4-morpholinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl or 1-hexahydroazepinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond, C₁ -C₁₂ alkylene, cyclohexylene, methylcyclohexylene or phenylene, R₁₆ is as defined for R₉, u is an integer from 1 to 10 and R₁₇ is as defined for R₉ or is a group ##STR56## m is zero, 1, 2, 3 or 4, n is a number from 1 to 50, Y₁ is Cl, OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or Y₁ is a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z where Z is hydrogen, methyl, benzyl, C₁ -C₈ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₈ alkenoyl, benzoyl or (C₁ -C₈ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR57## or a group --X₂ OH, and when m is 0 and n is 1, the only definition of Y₁ is the group --X₁ Z, with the proviso that the said group --X₁ Z is other than the group of the formula ##STR58## and, in the individual recurrent structural units of the formula (I), each of the groups R₁, A₁, R₂, R₃, X₁, X₂, X₃ and m have the same or different definitions.
 2. A compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 in whichA₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄, where R₄ is methyl, C₃ -C₆ alkanoyl, C₁ -C₆ alkenoyl, benzoyl or (C₁ -C₆ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₁₀ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; benzyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; or a group of the formula (II), or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) in which A₂ is a direct bond, --O-- or --CH₂ -- and p is an integer from 2 to 4, or ##STR59## is also one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) in which R₅ is C₂ -C₄ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is an integer from 2 to 4, X₁ and X₃ which are identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which are identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1,2 or 3 oxygen atoms or by 1 or 2>N--R₁₃ groups where R₁₃ is as defined for R₃, or R₁₃ is C₁ -C₄ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenoyl or (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)-carbonyl; cyclohexylene, cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene, isopropylidenedicyclohexylene, phenylene, methylphenylene, xylylene, methylenediphenylene or isopropylidenediphenylene, R₁₀ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl or phenyl, A₆ is a direct bond or --CH₂ --, s is zero, 1, 2 or 3, R₁₁ and R₁₂ which are identical or different are C₂ -C₄ alkylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₁₀ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) or a group --OR₁₈, --SR₁₈ or ##STR60## in which R₁₈, R₁₉ and R₂₀ which are identical or different are hydrogen, C₁ -C₁₂ alkyl, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di-or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; C₃ -C₁₂ alkenyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or trisubstituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl or C₁ -C₄ alkoxy; benzyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted on the phenyl by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; tetrahydrofurfuryl, a group of the formula (II), C₂ -C₃ alkyl substituted in the 2- or 3-position by C₁ -C₄ alkoxy or by di-(C₁ -C₄ alkyl)-amino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR61## is 1-pyrrolidyl, 1-piperidyl, 4-morpholinyl, 4-methyl-1-piperazinyl or 1-hexahydroazepinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond, C₁ -C₁₀ alkylene, cyclohexylene or phenylene, R₁₆ is as defined for R₉, u is an integer from 1 to 5, R₁₇ is as defined for R₉ or is a group ##STR62## m is zero, 1, 2 or 3, n is a number from 1 to 30, Y₁ is Cl, OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z where Z is hydrogen, methyl, benzyl, C₁ -C₄ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenoyl or (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR63## or a group --X₂ OH.
 3. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, in which R₁ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, OH, C₆ -C₁₂ alkoxy, C₅ -C₈ cycloalkoxy, allyl, benzyl or acetyl.
 4. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, in which A₁ is --O-- or >N--R₄, where R₄ is methyl, C₁ -C₄ alkanoyl, C₃ -C₄ alkenoyl, benzoyl or (C₁ -C₄ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, cyclohexyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; benzyl or a group of the formula (II), or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) in which A₂ is --O-- or --CH₂ -- and p is 2 or 3, or ##STR64## is also one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) in which R₅ is C₂ -C₃ alkylene, A₃ is --O-- or an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is 2 or 3, X₁ and X₃ which are identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which are identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms or by an >N--R₁₃ group with R₁₃ being hydrogen, methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl; cyclohexylene, cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene, xylylene or isopropylidenediphenylene, R₁₀ is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl, A.sub. 6 is a direct bond or --CH₂ --, s is zero, 1, 2 or 3, R₁₁ and R₁₂ which are identical or different are C₂ -C₃ alkylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, C₄ -C₈ alkylene interrupted by 1 or 2 oxygen atoms; 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) or a group --OR₁₈, --SR₁₈ or ##STR65## where R₁₈, R₁₉ and R₂₀ which are identical or different are hydrogen, C₁ -C₈ alkyl, cyclohexyl which is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted by C₁ -C₄ alkyl; allyl, undecenyl, phenyl, benzyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl, a group of the formula (II), C₂ -C₃ -alkyl substituted in the 2- or 3-position by C₁ -C₄ alkoxy, by dimethylamino or by diethylamino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR66## is 4-morpholinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond, C₁ -C₈ alkylene, cyclohexylene or phenylene, R₁₆ is C₂ -C₈ alkylene, C₄ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; cyclohexylenedimethylene, isopropylidenedicyclohexylene or isopropylidenediphenylene, u is an integer from 1 to 4, R₁₇ is as defined for R₉ or is methylphenylene, methylenediphenylene or a group ##STR67## m is zero, 1, 2 or 3, n is a number from 1 to 20, Y₁ is OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z where Z is hydrogen, methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR68## or a group --X₂ OH.
 5. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, in which A₁ is --O--or >N-R₄, where R₄ is methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl, R₂ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, R₃ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl or a group of the formula (II), or --A₁ --R₂ --is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group of the formula (III) in which A₂ is --O--and p is 2 or 3, or ##STR69## is also one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVd) in which R₅ is C₂ -C₃ alkylene, A₃ is --O--or an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ and R₇ are as defined for R₄, r is 2 or 3, X₁ and X₃ which are identical or different are one of the groups of the formulae (Va)-(Ve) in which A₄, A₅, A₇, A₈ and A₉ which are identical or different are as defined for A₃, R₉ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, C₆ -C₁₀ alkylene interrupted by 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; cyclohexylenedimethylene, methylenedicyclohexylene or xylylene, R₁₀ is hydrogen or methyl, A₆ is a direct bond, s is zero or 1, R₁₁ and R₁₂ are ethylene or trimethylene and t is zero or 1, X₂ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene, 2-hydroxytrimethylene, xylylene or one of the groups of the formulae (VIa)-(VIe) in which R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII) or a group --OR₁₈ or ##STR70## in which R₁₈ is C₁ -C₄ alkyl, cyclohexyl, allyl, phenyl, benzyl, tetrahydrofurfuryl or a group of the formula (II), R₁₉ and R₂₀ which are identical or different are as defined above for R₁₈ or are hydrogen or C₂ -C₃ alkyl substituted in the 2- or 3-position by methoxy, by ethoxy, by dimethylamino or by diethylamino or by a group of the formula (III); or the group ##STR71## is 4-morpholinyl, R₁₅ is a direct bond or C₁ -C₈ alkylene, R₁₆ is C₄ -C₆ alkylene, u is 1 or 2, R₁₇ is C₂ -C₆ alkylene or a group ##STR72## m is zero, 1 or 2, n is a number from 1 to 15, Y₁ is OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z where Z is hydrogen, methyl, acetyl or (C₁ -C₂ alkoxy)-carbonyl and Y₂ is Z, a group ##STR73## or a group --X₂ OH.
 6. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, in which R₁ is hydrogen or methyl, A₁ is --O--or >N--CH₃, R₂ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ --, R₃ is hydrogen, methyl, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl, or --A₁ --R₂ --is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group ##STR74## is also one of the groups of the formulae (IVa)-(IVc) in which R₅ is ethylene, A₃ is --O--or >N--R₈, where R₈ is a defined for R₃, q is zero or 1, R₆ is methyl, r is 2, X₁ and X₃ which are identical or different are a group of the formula (Va) or (Vb) in which A₄ and A₅ which are identical or different are an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is as defined for R₃, R₉ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ --or --(CH₂)₃ --O--(CH₂)₂₋₄ --O--(CH₂)₃ --and R₁₀ is hydrogen or methyl, X₂ is 2-hydroxytrimethylene or a group of the formula (VIa) where R₁₄ is a group of the formula (VII), m is zero or 1, n is a number from 1 to 10, Y₁ is OH, ONa, OK, a group R₁₄ or a group --X₁ Z or --X₃ Z with Z being hydrogen or methyl and Y₂ is hydrogen, methyl or a group ##STR75##
 7. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, in which R₁ is hydrogen or methyl, A₁ is >N--CH₃, R₂ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ --, R₃ is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl, or --A₁ --R₂ -- is a direct bond and, in this case, R₃ is a group ##STR76## is a group of the formula (IVa) or (IVc), q and m are zero, X₁ is a group of the formula (Va) in which A₄ and A₅ which are identical or different are an >N--R₈ group where R₈ is hydrogen, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl or 1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl, R₉ is --(CH₂)₂₋₆ -- and n is a number from 1 to
 10. 8. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, which corresponds to ##STR77## 